Independent Living

Independent living facilities for seniors are typically in a congregate setting. Residents rent or lease their residential unit on a monthly or annual basis. These seniors live in an apartment type unit which has a kitchen or kitchenette and a three-fixture bathroom. These units vary in size from a studio to one- or two-bedroom apartment. Common area amenities often include a congregate dining room (one to three meals per day), living rooms or lounges, activities areas including library, game rooms and chapel. Newer independent living facilities often have a bistro and theater. Other amenities generally include a beauty salon, resident laundry, and resident storage areas. The exterior grounds invite resident walking in a safe environment.

Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities for seniors are also located in congregate residential setting. Assisted living residents usually rent their unit on a monthly basis. Typically it has a kitchenette and a three-fixture bathroom. Resident units can range in size from semi-private (shared room) to a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Common area amenities often include a congregate dining room with three meals per day and snacks, living room and/or lounge, and activities areas. Newer or renovated assisted living facilities can have a bistro and theater. Other amenities include a beauty salon and resident laundry. The grounds allow for resident walking in a safe environment.

Memory Care

Memory care facilities for seniors are found in smaller congregate settings. The resident's family rents a room or unit on a monthly basis. Resident units may have a two- or three-fixture bathroom. Resident units typically vary in size from a semi-private (shared) room to a private room or studio. The common areas are secured (locked) and amenities include a congregate dining room (three meals per day), living room or lounge, and activities areas. Other amenities include a beauty salon, quiet room, and exterior/interior secured walking areas.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes for seniors are facilities which are segregated into two types of care: long-term and rehabilitative. Long-term care facilities represent a congregate residential setting whereby residents/patients rent a private or shared room on a daily basis with a two or three-fixture bathroom. The focus is on care through the end of life. Common area amenities often include a congregate dining room (three meals per day), day-room or lounge, and activities areas. Other amenities include a beauty salon. Courtyards allow for resident/patient walking in a safe environment.

Rehabilitative Nursing Homes

Rehabilitative care facilities represent a congregate residential setting whereby residents/patients rent on a daily basis a private room with a two or three-fixture bathroom. The focus is on rehabilitative care to restore the resident to a more active state and return him or her to home or to a lighter level of care such as independent living, assisted living or memory care. Resident rooms are typically semi-private or private. Common area amenities often include a congregate dining room (three meals per day), day-room or lounge, and activities areas. In addition, there is an increased focus on intense therapy (physical, occupational and speech). Newer rehabilitative care facilities can have a bistro and theater. Other amenities include a beauty salon. The enclosed courtyards allow for resident/patient walking in a safe environment.

Continuum of Care Facilities

Continuum of care facilities are those that have one or more of the care levels mentioned above (independent living, assisted living, memory care, and/or nursing care.)

Continuum of Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

Continuum of care retirement communities are generally larger retirement communities with multiple levels of care (often all of the above) and resident units are rented or leased on month-to-month basis, or on an entry-fee basis with large deposit and a monthly maintenance fee. These deposits may be refundable, partially refundable or non-refundable. Some CCRCs offer multiple entry-fee options. Many facilities, especially those with larger entry fees, provide life care options whereby the residents are assured of receiving care at the CCRC for the remainder of their lives.